Civilian Killed in J&K Anti-Militancy Operation Sparks Shutdown, Demands for Justice
Normal life was disrupted in the Chenab Valley's Doda and Kishtwar districts on Saturday following a shutdown called in protest against the killing of a civilian during an anti-militancy operation by the Jammu and Kashmir Police's Special Operations Group (SOG).
Most shops and private businesses remained closed in Bhaderwah and Doda towns as residents responded to the call of local religious leaders. The deceased, Arif Hussain, 30, a driver by profession, died from an alleged gunshot wound during the operation along the Jaie-Gandoh road, about 35 km from Bhaderwah town. Police had spotted Hussain in the area around 11:30 p.m.
Doda legislator Mehraj Malik demanded a fair investigation. 'An FIR must be registered, and a fair, impartial investigation must follow the incident. No one is above the law. Those found responsible should be held accountable, and the victim's family must receive justice,' he said.
According to Hussain's family, he had gone on a picnic. Local residents staged protests against the killing, demanding an investigation and justice. Hussain is survived by a pregnant wife and a four-year-old son.
The police have not issued any statement regarding the circumstances of the killing. Two police personnel were reportedly injured in the incident.
Kashmir's chief cleric, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, condemned the incident, saying such events, including the recent killing of Rashid Ahmad Mughal in Ganderbal, 'were against all norms of human and civil rights and law.' He added, 'They deepen fear and mistrust. Authorities should immediately investigate, fix accountability, make the findings public and punish the perpetrators.'
